Donna Halvorson

Halvorson: A Fair Farewell

Aug 15, 2018

The Minnesota State Fair has been a major event. Much different than when we were young. My aunt was the switch board operator at the fair. She always made sure we got tickets. It doesn’t seem possible that one switchboard handled the whole fair. The fair as I remember it was not much more than...

Halvorson: Scattered by war, family stays connected

Aug 8, 2018

It all started when my grandparents discovered the Lyon Hotel back in 1926. Six girls–all with Type A personalities–often sparked heated debates. When the noise level reached a certain point Mom stepped in. Although we often disagreed, let an outsider interfere and we closed ranks. In spite of our...

Halvorson: On walkers, pets, and having it all

Jul 25, 2018

I love sitting by my window overlooking the beach and river walk. The first walkers start about 5 a.m. Actually they aren’t all walkers. There are runners, joggers, strollers, even people with walkers. Some are so regular you could set your watch. I can always tell the weather by their mode of...

Letter: War changed everything except love of music.

Jul 18, 2018

As far back as I can remember there was always music in our home. My first memory is watching my parents and their friends dancing in the dining room. They pushed the table back and cranked up the old Victrola. The sound didn’t resemble todays’ music but the beat was there. My parents met at a...

Halvorson: Arguments against beach improvements don’t hold up

Jul 12, 2018

Lake City’s best kept secret? That tiny stretch between Ohuta Park and the trailers on the point. Our own natural beach, right in the middle of town. Since I’ve been writing letters to the editor I’ve been stopped constantly by complete strangers, some not so strange. The question is: “Why don’t...

Halvorson: Imagine all the people coming for dinner

Jul 3, 2018

People, one of my favorite subjects. The variety is endless. This interest probably started in high school. I must admit that I was never a serious student except for extra curricular activities. I sang in the glee club and chorus, marched in the band and was a cheer leader. One of the unique...

Halvorson: Childhood illnesses of yesteryear

Jun 27, 2018

Mom had been working for weeks sewing costumes for the big school production; four of the six of us had parts. Excitement was growing.In walked my youngest sister covered with red spots. Next thing there was a sign on the front door: Quarantine! No one was allowed to enter or leave. This was a...

Halvorson: You ought to vote

Jun 20, 2018

I remember my father and grandmother in heated debates about politics. One thought F.D.R. (President Franklin Roosevelt) walked on water. The other took a different view. The discussions were ongoing, sometimes calm and thoughtful, others loud but always respectful. This was the era of deals made...

Halvorson: Life on two wheels

Jun 14, 2018

The view from my window is like a kaleidoscope, ever changing. Tennis players, hang gliders, swimmers, hikers, bikers, sailboats and barges. Watching bikers and the Tour de Pepin recalled memories of my childhood. Six girls and six bikes. Somehow Dad managed to find us each our own bike. There was...

Letter: Not from here

Jun 7, 2018

Year after year new people move to Lake City. They are welcomed with open arms by churches and social groups until they suggest change. Then the question is, “you’re not from here, are ya?” No matter how long you’ve lived here, if you weren’t born here you’ll probably always feel like an intruder...